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We're re restructuring Spungle and so we're taking the rest of February to optimize our new launch.

Get excited... you can only imagine what we have up our sleeves....

Flip Video minoHD (Verdict: Pocket Wonder!)

When looking back at last night’s outstanding win by New Orleans, there always are stupid fun moments where you had a video camera. Sure, you can snap a video with your iPhone or Blackberry, but wouldn’t it be nice to have an HD video of your buddy calling up his bookie to raise his bets on the Colts? Come on, don’t you wish you had a video of those last few seconds, as your friend bursts into a beat-red sweat as Peyton couldn’t connect? Or maybe, just maybe, a quick few second clip of your fat friend screaming “Who Dat?” as the loyal Colts fan sulked and stuffed his face with cold pizza? Well, if you’re wishing you could have taken those videos, then we have the solution for you, the Flip Video minoHD.

As opposed to your cell-phone based video camera, the Flip minoHD has one function, and one function only—to take videos. This pocket sized wonder has the ability to take 2hrs of high-quality HD footage with just the push of a button. You don’t have to flip through menus, juggle with holding it sideways (it’s always held upright) or even worry about whether it is on or not; all you have to do is turn it on, point, and hit the big red button. To say that this thing is idiot proof is an understatement!

At first, we couldn’t understand why someone would buy a separate digital video camera when they already had a cell-phone and a camera with video capabilities. However, after a few choice recordings with this simplified machine, that were nearly Scoresese quality, we cannot imagine using anything else but this tiny wonder.

So, if you’re looking to buy someone something fun for Valentine’s Day, or maybe just prepare yourself for your friends’ next stupid act, then be sure to pick up a Flip Video minoHD—we guarantee that you will love it after just your first video!

Casio EX-G1 (Verdict: The Toughest Yet!)

With President’s week just around the corner, you are likely going somewhere hot or somewhere cold. Regardless, you are not going to be staying in your concrete jungle. And when you leave the confines of your cubicle/apartment/city, you are probably going to want to document the fact that you actually had some fun; albeit for just a couple of days. Which brings us to the age-old dilemma. You’re going outside, you want to take pictures outside, and your camera is really designed for fitting in your pocket and being used when you’re inside. So, what do you do? Well, you could totally be a wimp and take a walking tour of Berlin (which is extraordinarily cheap in the dead of winter), or you could go to the beach or skiing, and take photos while you are exposing yourself to the elements. How you might ask? Simple, with the newly released Casio EXILIM EX G1.

The EX G1 is Casio’s answer to our biggest request—a Casio camera that can complement a Casio G-Shock. We never understood why Casio made the most durable and stylish watches, but was never able to create anything but dainty high-end, high-powered pocket cameras; until the EX G1. As opposed to all the other EXILMs, the EX G1 is poised to play!

This 12.1 megapixel camera is only 0.78-inches at its slimmest point. It is shock resistant to 5+ foot drops, nearly impenetrable to snow, dirt, and humidity, can used at bone-chilling temperatures as low as 15 degrees F, can be submerged up to 10-feet in water, and still responds just as quickly as its EXILM brothers. This camera literally offers all the great features we’ve come to love in an EXILIM (Best Shot, large screen, easy to navigate menus, numerous layers of user controls) in a steroid-esque body of armor. This camera is durable, functional, and down-right perfect for any and every vacation under the sun (and/or moon). So, treat yourself to a nice Valentine’s Day gift, and pick up an EX G1. We guarantee that you will love it from your first shot, and definitely capture photos that you wouldn’t have dared to have taken before!

Bacon Bourbon Caramel Corn (Verdict: Yum!)

In light of Monday’s iZOcleanze review, we think you can take at least one more weekend to pig out. In fact, we would highly recommend stuffing your face this Sunday, because we are all surely going to be on the edge of our seats as New Orleans blasts the Colts (hopefully). So, in an attempt to help you with your pending oral fixation, and also liven up your Superbowl Party, we went hunting for the ideal football snack, and are pleased to announce that we have a victor; Bacon Bourbon Caramel Corn.

With a name like Bacon Bourbon Caramel Corn, you should expect four simple things: Bacon, Bourbon, Caramel, and Popcorn. This genius combo provides you with handfuls of near-orgasmic oral sensory overload. The bacon gives you the salty savory flavor you crave; the bourbon make the combo rich and aromatic; the caramel gives you the sweetness; and the popcorn is the perfect foundation for this masterpiece. Taken together, this combo is not for the faint of flavor. With every bite you are going to electrify your palate and be satiated in ways you never imagined. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself the “Pig Out” before they’re back-ordered. In fact, you probably should buy two bags!

iZOcleanze (Verdict: Rough and Tough!)

With less than 140 days until Summer 2010, it’s never too early to start thinking about shedding those holiday pounds. In fact, with a plethora of affordable flights all around the globe (thanks to Kayak.com), you can find yourself in bikini weather nearly year round. Therefore, if you’re looking to kick your ass into high-gear, and reprogram both you and your body for bathing suit weather, then you have no other option than the iZOcleanze!

When we first heard about the iZOcleanze, we thought we knew it all about juice cleanses. We had done multiple rounds of our beloved Blueprint Cleanse, and were always quite pleased with the result. However, something about iZOcleanze just seemed different. The website wasn’t so fluffy, the claims weren’t so bold, and the bottles looked a little funkier. So, with determination to do another cleanse, and also fabulous plumbing, we signed up for the iZOcleanze and subjected our bodies to 3 days of torture.

For starters, iZO is not based in NYC. So, instead of receiving juice nightly to our doorman, we found ourselves at the mercy of FedEx. Not such a big deal, but if you’re the type of person that needs to get up and go to it, you might feel yourself wanting to hijack every FedEx truck around, if your juice doesn’t arrive by 10am. By the way, this also means that your juice is subject to inclement weather; if FedEx isn’t flying, your juice isn’t flying, so be prepared for some possible turbulence.

Second, iZO, as opposed to BPC, is more than 6 bottles a day. In fact, it is nearly twice the amount. Instead of downing water/tea in between juices as you do with BPC, you will find that you are finishing one bottle just as you are scheduled to start the next. That’s really not a problem if you like the taste of the juices, but if you’re having trouble stomaching them, then you might be up the proverbial sh*t’s creek, because the juice needs to drunk.

Third, with respect to the flavor, we think this is one of the major differences with BPC. BPC has perfected making palatable juices. For better or worse, you will find yourself craving the green juice or a lemonade. On the contrary, iZO makes downright raw juice. They don’t sweeten it up, water it down, or cut out any raw flavors. The result is an extremely aggressive juice that not only reminds your tasebuds that you are doing something drastically different, but that also reminds your midbrain (nausea center) that you are drinking a bottle of rawness.

Fourth, with respect to the result, we have to admit that with iZO we definitely felt that we were “cleaned out.” It may be a function of the sheer osmotic gradient created by such a density of juice, or by the fact that iZO has perfected the cleanse. But as opposed to BPC, we found that we were exhausted at the end of the cleanse. Instead of feeling clean and rejuvenated, we felt like we had been taken on an intestinal roller-coaster that ended with a finale on the gravitron. To put it simply, we hurt!

In sum, the iZOcleanze is by no way a beginner’s cleanse. It is an extremely aggressive, high-power yet high-yield serious cleanse. We definitely can understand why so many people swear by it; there’s not a chance in hell that one last toxin is left in us. With that said, it is an unbelievable product, that definitely is well-suited to the super health-conscious who are looking to take themselves to the next level. Then again, if you really punished your body with crap for the last 8 weeks, then this might be the perfect way to defribillate your system and get yourself back into a sustainable rhythm!

Short Boot (Verdict: Winter Worthy!)

When the weather gets tough, the tough get going. And well, to be honest, you can’t get “going” unless you have proper footwear. That’s why there’s no better product to feature than a boot, on what is proving to be an incredibly cold start to 2010. Hunter, who truly defines the Wellington Boot, knows how to make a damn good boot. Not only are there products indestructible, they are incredibly warm and functional. Albeit “oversized” when compared to contemporary fashion, Hunter boots undoubtedly are what you need when trudging through winter doldrums. Which is why, we were beyond eager to don their Mens Short Boot on our hunt for winter foot protection.

Built with a vulcanized natural rubber upper that is set up an uber-comfortable multi-layer cushioned sponge foot bed, this rubber boot is impermeable to winter’s elements. Like a trusty postal worker, this boot is perfect in rain, sleet, and snow. And, since it has a knitted nylon lining, which can also be enhanced with one of their fleece welly socks, your feet are not only dry, but perfectly warm.

If you’re looking to protect your 10 little piggies, and also not fall flat on your face on your trudge to work, then make sure you have a pair of Hunter Short Boots in your closet. Trust us, winter is getting off to a rough start, and you will need them in 2010!

Lapdesk N700 (Verdict: Well-needed!)

Although we love our netbooks, sometimes we need the extra power and screen real-estate from a traditional laptop. However, that extra power usually comes at a cost- lap heat- something we’ve nearly forgotten about with the advent of the netbook. So, in an attempt to reintroduce you to your laptop life, and also to improve your laptop-computing experience, Logitech has listened to consumers’ concerns, and created a phenomenal product, the Speaker Lapdesk N700.

This laptop accoutrement not only provides rich deep sound from its oversized beautifully powered speakers, but also cools your burning crotch and thighs (and computer) with its nearly silent whirling fan. Powered by your computer’s USB port, this little wonder makes watching movies on your laptop not only a pleasure, but a desirable experience. Beyond appealing to your auditory and thermoregulatory senses, it also has a generously padded undersurface, which helps distribute the weight or your old laptop, and make it comfortable when on your lap for hours. To say that this we’ve always wanted a Speaker Lapdesk, would be an understatement- we’ve dreamed about the Lapdesk, and are glad to see this product come to fruition.

Since it was just unveiled it isn’t commercially available just yet, but feel free to pre-order (click here) to make sure that your lap/crotch gets the comfort that it deserves!

Spacepak (Verdict: Perfect Ooops Gift!)

If you spent the last few moments of the holiday season hunting for a gift for that anal-retentive pack-rat friend, then today is the day for you. We’ve been hunting for months (literally) for a modular packing system that does not require a degree from MIT to assemble. We’ve tried the multi-zippered folding/flexing packing systems that promise to make traveling a breeze and the awkard wait at the TSA line a thing of the past. And time and time again, we are not only disappointed, we’re frustrated that we even demoed the product. Well, disorganized traveling is now a thing of the past, thanks to the aptly named Spacepak.

Designed to allow you (or the gift recipient) to consistently avoid the baggage claim, Spacepak lets you double compress your clothes. These modular watertight bags have one-way valves that allow you to expel all the air that surrounds your precious cashmere which also takes up a ton of space. Furthermore, the bags are designed with a split central dividing layer that lets you separate your clean clothes from the dirty ones. And of course, they are available in every size from lingerie and shoes up to clothes and suits. In our multi-city test run, we estimated that we were able to double the traditional space of our favorite carry-on bag, and actually convince our clients that we travel with a harem of tailors.

Trust us, buy them the Spacepak system, and they will forget that you forgot to gift them!

Merry Xmas!

Wishing you, your family, your friends, and anyone else you know, a very happy and healthy holiday!

Leave us a comment and let us know what you got!

See you in the next decade of Spungle!

Love,
Spungle

Hugo Element (Verdict: The Last Minute Gift!)

For those of you who are at work and are panic-ridden about last minute shopping, we have the gift solution for you. You see, everyone has that one guy on hislist who seems to have everything and tells you he wants nothing. With him, price doesn’t matter. You would spend $50 or $1000, just as long as it is for a gift that he will appreciate. However, what do you get him? Sweater… not a chance. Sweaters are never a good gift because there are too many variables: color, size, cut, company, etc. Tie… (see previous sentence). Pen… (see second to last previous sentence). So, what do you get this guy? You could go totally into left field and buy something he definitely doesn’t have (like a leather-bound monogrammed hip flask) which he likely would never use, or you could use this opportunity to introduce him to something new. We advocate for the latter, but advise you to stay simple. Which is why, we declare the Macys-exclusive Huge Element + iTunes Gift card as “The Last Minute Gift,” of 2009.

For those of you who haven’t had the distinct pleasure of wafting the newly released Huge Element, you (and this gift recipient) are in for a real treat! Bottled in a miniature oxygen cylinder, Huge Element is unlike any other scent we have sampled before. At first sniff, your olfactory bulb immediately detects Calone. For those of you who aren’t fragrantphiles (made up word), Calone is the ubiquitous scent of many “fresh, summer, clean, blue” colognes. However, as opposed to many other fragrance manufacturers who allow the Calone to overpower and carry their scent, Huge Element actually is well balanced against a cornucopia of other familiar scents. You will detect gentle citrus, wisps of ginger, flecks of cedar, undertones of fresh cut grass, and a wonderfully spicey linalool. Taken together, Huge Element is appropriately bottle in an oxygen tank, because it truly is a breath (and sniff) of fresh air! So, get your butt over the Macy's and pick up this awesome gift set before you set yourself up for a stocking full of coal next year!

Now, in case your choice of fragrance doesn’t win the recipient over, Huge Element is currently being packaged for a limited time with a $10 iTunes Gift card. So, not only will your choice of cologne help attract his next date, but he can buy some love-tunes to help move his next date along. Can you honestly think of a better gift?

Chumby (Verdict: For that Gadget-Addict!)

While we don’t advocate for countertop clutter, we’re always willing to share a little slice of real-estate with technology- especially technology with a function. So, after getting a few too many requests to review the Chumby, we decided to take the plunge, and must admit we were pleasantly surprised!

First, what’s a Chumby? According to their site, “chumby takes your favorite parts of the internet and delivers them to you in a friendly, always-on, always-fresh format. It's a window into your internet life that lives outside your desktop, so content like weather, news, celebrity gossip, podcasts, music, and more has a place to play away from your world of documents and spreadsheets. Just plug in your chumby, connect to your network, and use your computer to create a lineup of favorites from over 1,500 widgets in more than 30 categories, with new ones arriving all the time. Then let your chumby do its thing — streaming everything you like, from sports scores to stock quotes, from video clips to interactive games, from photos to trivia.”

While we don’t really understand why people have to follow Facebook updates while brewing their Nespresso or follow eBay auctions while browning their sausage, we definitely did appreciate a 3-day forecast and the daily headlines as we went to the fridge for a mid-day snack. In essence, the Chumby is a WiFi powered aggregator that lets you get dynamic updates from preset internet sources. At the size of a box of Pop Tarts, the Chumby is definitely not a space saver, but surely can be a time-saver when attempting to multi-task. While we definitely don’t see the Chumby becoming the next Tickle Me Elmo, we could surely see the Chumby taking off in a number of demographics due to the fact that it is so easy to customize and can let you browse everything from photos, to news alerts, to even your favorite webcams.

Priced at a point that doesn’t hurt, the Chumby is the logical gift for that person who spends a little too much time in his or her kitchen, and can’t see the TV from the stove.

ID Guard Stamp (Verdict: Santa-worthy!)

For those of you who missed one of the all-time best episodes of 30-Rock last night, here’s a quick recap of the plot. Kenneth attempts to assemble an office secret-Santa. A bunch of people shy away from the pain that secret-Santa inevitably brings. Bad things happened to those who ran away. In sum, don’t mess with secret Santa! So, now that we’ve convinced you to participate in your office’s most dreaded, awkward, waste of $20, what are you going to buy for that annoying in-house legal council that continues to call you by your first and middle name even after you told him that only your mother does that? The ID guard stamp, but, of course!

The ID guard stamp is not only a great use of $20, it also has the potential to save you tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees if someone steals your identity. According to their site, “The Kes'pon ID Guard Stamp is designed to effectively cover printed information by applying over it a unique stamp pattern with an Kes'pon's special oil-based ink.” This pattern is designed so that your name and address and all those other particulars that come on junk mail are all covered up. Furthermore, as if saving your secret Santa from identity theft wasn’t enough, you’re actually going to be saving the Earth, too. On the Kes’pon side they go on to say that “most waste disposers are not able to recycle shredded paper. This is because shredders cut the paper fibers so short that they are unusable for most recycling purposes.” This means that you’ll not only give that lawyer a grin with every stamp, but also help his kids have trees in their future, too! Now, can you think of a better secret-Santa gift for under twenty bucks!?!

Soundracer (Verdict: Vrooom!)

Although we’ve been hinting that the recession is sooo 2009 and we’re closing in on 2010, we realize that most of you still aren’t taking home big bonuses this holiday season. So, although you’d like to buy your buddy Johnny a brand new Ferrari California, he may just have to wait until next year. However, if you’re willing to make the empty promise that you’ll eventually get him a sports car, here’s a great band-aid to the situation, the SoundRacer!

Instead of using our amazing literary skills to describe this little wonder, here’s a YouTube video that does all our hard work:


In case you can’t see the video on your computer, or you’re too lazy to hit play, here’s a little stint from their site: “SoundRacer has a developed a special technology to sense and calculate the car engine rpm and produce the sounds of a powerful Super Sports Car engine. The sound changes as you drive and SoundRacer even increases the speed of the engine sound so that you can drive at a normal speed and still get a very exciting engine sound.

A built in FM transmitter transfers the sounds on a selectable frequency to the car stereo system. 

It also works as a standard Car FM-transmitter for MP3 players, such as iPod and iPhone, with a line in socket that provides an input for playing music on the car stereo. A cable with 2 x 3,5 mm stereo plugs are supplied in the box.”

So, if you’re absolutely panicked about getting Johnny that Ferrari that you promised him when you were wasted in Vegas during that bachelor party, then just tell him “it’s coming” and buy a SoundRacer to placate him in the meantime.

Pink Commuter Tie (Verdict: Interesting?)

As you may recall, years ago, famed Jermyn Street clothier Thomas Pink experimented with integrating an iPod into one of their shirts. We tested that shirt, and found it to be an absolute failure. In fact, it was our first "Spungle Bungle," and also one of the last times we ever got a reply from the PR division at LVMH. Well, 3 years and a recession later, Thomas Pink is back at it again. However, this time they’ve spared the itchy, chaffing, awkward breast pocket, and instead decided to saddle your full-windsor with your iPod instead. Behold, Thomas Pink’s newest iPod folly, the Commuter Tie.

To quote their site, “Keeping up with technology minaturisation, the popular Commuter Tie has been updated to perfectly fit the new iPod® Nano as well as other smaller music players. The clever new design features a small yet subtle pocket on the reverse of the tie. The music player is placed in the pocket to avoid having expensive devices on display or damaging the line of one’s suit. An extra fabric loop keeps headphone wires out of sight and close to the body, leaving hands free to pick up a daily coffee or answer that all important call.

And to ensure that it can be worn everyday, the new Commuter tie is available in eight stylish colours: grey, charcoal, purple, blue, green, orange, red and deep pink. The Commuter Tie is now available online and in stores.”

Now, what this description fails to mention, is that this tie is actually perfect for the coldest commutes and most blustery of winter outings. You see, while we love our top-coats and shearlings, our pockets tend to be filled with gloves, tissues, chap-stick, and cash for emergency cabs. The last thing you want to do is slip your iPod into your pocket and pull out a wad of stuff when attempting to fast-forward past Def Leopard. Instead, your iPod is securely around your neck, and just a few threads of silk away, making a quick fix for 50-Cent a simple reality.

Of course, we still think that this tie is absolutely ridiculous and is probably an office gift that should be reserved for only those with no sense of style or an unhealthy addiction to electronics, but with that said, if you’re looking to be original this holiday season, here’s the neck-ware that will win you the award!

Nespresso Variations (Verdict: Best Yet!)

While the weather outside is frightful, inside it’s so delightful….. or something like that. That old song, a winter time favorite, always seems to warm my heart when the thermometer reads 20 degrees. However, just one step to close to the balcony door, and you quickly forget that warm, fuzzy feeling, and start craving a warm soothing beverage. So, what do you do? Well, you could put on layers and layers of clothes and go down to your local coffee shop, but that would likely entail experiencing the cold, and risk bringing home a chilled beverage. Or, you could do what any sophisticated yuppie would do, and make their own damn luxury coffee! And if we’re making coffee, you know we’re brewing Nespresso!

As we have done consistently over the years, we have had the luxury of tasting Nespresso’s newest variations for 2010- apricot, chestnut cream & gingerbread. Like usual, Nespresso has hit 3 consecutive home runs with these flavors (aka hat-trick), and we are saddened to know that these three scrumptious variations will only be around for a limited time.

The apricot is a flavor-forward warm blend that reminds you of fresh summer fruit while still having a great coffee zing. As opposed to apricot teas, the fruit is evenly dispersed throughout the palate, affording you a wonderful flavor that lingers. The chestnut cream is an extremely rich umami-like flavor, that conjures up earthy senses while coating your palate in a creamy luscious essence. Lastly, the gingerbread is the competition that we have all been waiting for. We used to go to those coffee people from Seattle this time of year just to get a little taste of gingerbread (skinny, of course) on our way to work. However, now that we have a cru that is actually blended with ginger, we no longer have to wait on long lines, or fill our precious bodies with artificial squirt-bottle-based chemicals. This gingerbread blend not only warms your palate, but also fills your entire kitchen/office with a wonderful winter-esque aroma. Simply a slam-dunk for Nespresso!

In sum, these three blends are our absolute favorites to date! They are all so very different, yet each one is perfect on a cold winter day. So, if you’re looking to reminisce with summer memories, or fill your mouth with savory flavors, or just simply enjoy the winter for what it’s worth, then be sure to fill your cupboard with these three great variations. As we all know, it’s only a matter of time until the season is over and they’re gone forever!

Perfect Pushup V2 (Verdict: Perfect!)

While we all can’t be “The Situation,” we can at least try. And, as we all know, the key to building a Jersey Shore –compatible physique is building a strong core. But, how can you do that in the privacy of your own home? Well, if you’ve been a good-boy and have been reading Spungle over the last 4 years / 300+ posts, you would know that we’re Perfect Pushup addicts. We just can’t seem to get enough of these perfectly designed, rotating handles that gently yet consistently kick our asses. Well, we COULDN’T get enough, until we met the newest version, Perfect Pushup V2!


The V2 builds upon the stellar design of the original Perfect Pushup. The handles are still designed to rotate and make you hurt, but now it’s an even smoother process. For starters, they now have 30% more ball bearings to make for a smoother rotational force. The grip is more evenly padded and now slightly grooved; this allows for not only a better feel, but also for a more comfortable deep lunge since the weight is more evenly dispersed. Lastly, the wider turntable increases torsional stiffness, giving you a solid feel when doing those dreaded wide-grip / lat-defining pushups. Taken together, Perfect Pushup V2 is the outstanding holiday gift for your favorite Jersey Shore wannabe, or for that fitness guru who already has everything. We never thought they could improve upon the Perfect Pushup, and we’re proud to say, that they have totally proved us wrong!

Mmmvelopes (Verdict: Taste of the Holidays)

With the holidays quickly approaching you have two main responsibilities. First, you need to buy presents. And, we’ll try to do our best with suggestions for the y-chromosomes in your life. You’re on your own with what to get the chicks. Second, you need to send holiday greeting cards. Now, you could be dull and boring and go to Amazon and buy some bland generic card, or you could get creative. As you could guess, we suggest the later. Our advice, save on the cards and splurge on the envelopes!

We recommend that you take advantage of your office’s uber-nice under-utilized color laser printer (or go to Kinkos if you’re on the verge of being fired and don’t want to get caught), and print out a custom letter with a snazzy photo at the bottom. Tell your friends and family all about your life, share a story, maybe send them a pic of the dog. But, just do something other than buying a ridiculously boring card with a stupid saying that doesn’t even relate to both your Jewish and Christian friends.

As for the envelopes, go hog-wild and get yourself Mmmvelopes. These bacon-flavored envelopes are not only absolutely hysterical, they’re eye catching too! Made by the geniuses behind Bacon Salt and our favorite condiment, Baconnaise, these bacon-flavored envelopes are just what you need to spice-up your holiday note. And, look on the bright side, just in case your note absolutely sucks and no one appreciates it, no one can say that your efforts were tasteless!

Commuter Case (Verdict: Stocking-Worthy!)

In thinking of what to get for that guy who always gets your mail to your desk, or makes sure that your computer is up, or simply is addicted to his iPhone and warrants a holiday thank you, we think we found the perfect gift, the Otterbox Commuter!

This slim fitting, relatively inexpensive case is perfect for the iPhone junky. If this guy is addicted to his iPhone, that he pines for one of these cases—because there really is no other case as secure as this one!

“First, a self-adhering clear film protects your touch screen from scratches. Second there is a soft, silicone skin that wraps around your device. Finally, a one-piece, custom molded polycarbonate shell hugs tightly around the silicone. While in the case, all functions of the iPhone remain fully intact. Plus the silicone plugs provide access to all ports while keeping out dust and debris when not in use.”

So, if you’re looking to strengthen your relationship with the man-behind-the-man-behind-the-man, and stuff someone’s stocking with something more than heat-damaged over-priced chocolates, then look no further than this amazing case. Given that we can be absolutely clumsy when it comes to our smartphones, we would only think about using an Otterbox case at our drunken office holiday party!

International Jacket (Popping!)

As we all know, the secret to staying warm in the winter is layers. But, before you start conjuring up images of that little boy all bundled up in a Christmas Story, let us tell you our secret to staying fashionably warm—the Barbour International Jacket!

This fine looking jacket is surely the most popular jacket of Winter ’09. With a rich, black, exterior and brass buttons that make you pop, we have yet to see any jacket that turns as many heads as this one. However, this jacket is not all about looks. In fact, it is a true motorcycle jacket, made for that fashionable guy who appreciates a vintage Triumph.


Outfitted with a solid brass front zip, a studded storm flap, and snaps for a warm-and-fuzzy liner, this jacket is made to fight the elements. In the few cold snaps that we’ve had since demo’ing this jacket, we can honestly say that this jacket competes with our trusty favorite Classic Beaufort. In fact, with its extra large and accessible four exterior pockets, this jacket is our go-to, when we’re going out shopping for the day, since it can hold all our crap as we schlep from store to store.


While it’s a little too hot-to-trot for the office, this jacket is perfect for making a statement at your holiday party, or when waiting on line at the hottest club. Now, if you really want to complete the outfit, and also keep your self toasty, then you not only have to get the plush waistcoat liner, but also the matching tartan cashmere scarf. Sure this little ensemble is going to set you back a chunk of change, but can you really put a price on staying warm and being cool at the same time?

Wine Chiller (Verdict: Genius!)

Although it’s chilly outside, it doesn’t mean that you should be drinking warm white wine at your next dinner party. In fact, you still need to adhere to rules and keep your whites nice and chilly. In the past, keeping a Riesling at the optimal 7 degrees centigrade required putting the bottle into the fridge the night before. However, as with any good dinner party, there is always tons to prep, and refrigerator real-estate comes at a premium. So, here’s a solution to the battle between your confit de canard and your Alsacian Riesling, The Wine Enthusiast Chilling Carafe with Ice Sleeve.

This hand-blown, lead free carafe comes with a middle sleeve that is designed to accommodate standard ice cubes. Just fill the carafe with your favorite vino (white please), insert the sleeve, and your wine will be chilled to perfection. Then when you’re ready to serve, all you have to do is remove the sleeve and pour. Please feel free to repeat the aforementioned process as much as possible, or until everyone has had enough to drink that they won’t notice that you burnt the crème brulee!

Dalmore Bespoke (Verdict: Unbelievable!)

As the economic downturn appears to abate, soon Wall-Street’ers will be looking for ways to spend their bonuses. Sure they could spend it on the usual lux toys like cars, trips, and watches. But for the newly-revived Wall Street mogul with a hankering for a special Scotch, we have the perfect experience for you!


The famed Dalmore distillery is partnering with world-renown distiller Richard Paterson to create YOUR bespoke scotch. For a mere $85,000, Dalmore will whisk you to Scotland with first-class airfare, pamper you when you arrive with city and country tours, house you in utter opulence, entertain you with falconry, and ultimately introduce you to Mr. Paterson.


If you know scotch, you know Richard Paterson. With too many accolades to list, Richard Paterson is the third generation of his family to serve as Master Distiller -- a rich family lineage unmatched in the industry. It’s no wonder his award-winning blends have garnered the attention of the world’s most discriminating connoisseurs and why he will be charged with the duty of making your scotch.


You see, after spending four glorious days in Scotland, Mr. Paterson will then start concocting your dream bespoke scotch. He will incorporate your discriminating tastes, focus on your favorite aromas, and hone in on your personality. In a few weeks time he will send you a handmade case with your prized bottle of scotch.

Sure this is utter lavish spending, but then again, the bonuses are back, and you have to spend it on something!

Gorillatorch (Verdict: Bright idea!)

Since changing the clocks last weekend, we’re really having issues adjusting to this early nightfall- especially since we depend on natural lighting and have an office that is surrounded by windows! It is not only requiring us to turn on more lights to keep the work flowing, but it’s also forcing us to use flashlights every time we want to plug/unplug some piece of media equipment. What a pain! Well, we can honestly say that after struggling way too much with flashlights, while balancing ourselves on chairs with one hand behind the projector, we have found a solution to our request for a third-arm, the Gorillatorch!

This funny-looking, animalistic creature is the newest genius product from Joby. Built with strong flexible magnetic feet, this uber-bright flashlight can be positioned in a myriad of ways to ensure that you have perfect light where you need it. Need to swap out the video card on your computer? Not a problem, position it hanging upside down to perfectly shine light into you computer tower. Need to get a little extra light inside your closet? Position it to hang off your shelf and you have the light exactly where you need it. You get the idea? This thing is invaluable when you desperately need light in a tight space.

And best of all, it’s cheap! What more could you ask for? A flashlight that can hold itself, that doesn’t burn through batteries, and costs less than a few days of Starbucks, sounds like something that you need to buy right away!

Wm. J. Mills and Co (Verdict: THE Canvas!)

So if Monday was a look into the future as to what is THE jacket for the weeks ahead, today’s review is a look into the past, as to what has been our favorite summer-time tote for the last few weeks. For those of you who saw us out in the Hamptons this summer, you may remember that we were toting around an unfamiliar bag. It had large strong piping, bright bold color, and was with us when we were at the gym, the beach, or a last-minute pool party. In fact, we were nearly inseparable from this bag because it was perfect for every situation from the moment we left our office in NYC until we boarded the train back to NYC at the end of the weekend. We’re talking about our beloved Wm J. Mills & Co. duffle from the famed Long Island sail-maker.

This well-known Long Island local sail-maker has been in the canvas business since the 19th century. They have perfected the art of making sails for boats and over the years have expanded to becoming the authority on canvas manufacturing. Therefore, it is no wonder why at their first run at making a canvas bag, that they were able to hit it out of the park!


Capitalizing on the duffle-bag craze, these canvas-based geniuses were able to construct a bag that not only can withstand the elements, but can also go everywhere from the office to the beach and back, all while looking brand-spanking-new! The reason that these bags are so strong and hold their color and shape so well that they are constructed from super durable #8 duck cotton canvas while the zipper is heavy-duty marine-grade quality. In addition, each duffel is water resistant allowing you to dart in and out of the elements, and is also machine washable for when the elements get the best of you. Taken together, it is an incredibly sharp looking bag that like a good Timex, can take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’!


Now, if you are starting to think about potential holiday gifts for your favorite man, then we actually suggest that you expand beyond just getting him a duffel (since we know you totally are obsessed with Wm J. Mills & Co after reading this review), and go for the Travel Set. This set includes not only one duffle, but two duffles and a flight bag. Now, by purchasing the set you not only are going to save a whole lot of cash compared to buying each piece individually, but you are also going to afford him the ability to no longer need to check any luggage on his next flight because these bags are perfect for storing a ton and still fitting in even the tightest of spaces.

So, if you want to give yourself or your loved ones a gift that they will surely love, then be sure to add a Wm J. Mills duffle to your holiday shopping list. When you buy this hand-made, locked-stitch bag, you know that you are buying quality- why even think about anything other than the best quality out there?